…As NFF Marshals Out Plans To Beat Egypt

The Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) has launched what it calls “Operation Defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt’’, in the two-legged tie for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
The 1st Vice-President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi, told newsmen in Lagos at the weekend that the federation would not leave ‘any stone unturned’ in a determined effort at defeating the Egyptians, home and away.
“This is the present pre-occupation of the federation for now. This is no time for politicking or dwelling in the past. We are asking all Nigerians to join forces with the federation to defeat the visiting Egyptians.
“We have a single objective now, which is to defeat Egypt in order to guarantee the Super Eagles a place at the next AFCON.”
The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the federation, who was also present, said names of those to make the list would be unveiled in Abuja in Thursday.
“The technical committee will ratify the list to be presented by the coaching crew. We do not have the luxury of time on our side.’’
According to him, the stand-in Coach, Samson Siasia, has been empowered along with his crew to go all out for the players to don the national colours for the match.
“He has been provided a car and other logistics to enable him to perform. He and his staff will be working directly with the technical director of the federation, Amodu Shaibu.
“I am aware that many of the top Eagles’ players have been contacted and some on their own expressed willingness to be part of the game.’’
He said a committee had since been working in Kaduna in a bid to ensure a hitch-free match.
According to him, the committee is working on all the logistics ahead of the match.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host the first leg of the qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt on March 25, in Kaduna.
The second leg would hold in Cairo on March 29.
Egypt currently tops Group G with six points from two matches, followed by Nigeria with four points from two matches.